This post may include affiliate links. Thank you for your support.
Quick, easy, fuss-free, and bursting with flavor, this Basil Salmon is absurdly delicious! Featuring succulent salmon slathered with rich fresh basil butter, wrapped in foil, and baked in the oven, this is the simple salmon and basil recipe you’ve been searching for! (Ideal for family dinners, date nights in, or entertaining.)
Update: This post was originally published in September 2017. I’ve updated the post below to include more information about Butter Salmon. Plus, I’ve included a step-by-step video to show you how easy this baked butter salmon in foil recipe is to make!
Hi friends! Get excited because today we are eating succulent salmon slathered with basil butter and served with a side of fresh burst summer tomatoes. This salmon recipe is a really good one, and it happens to be super simple too, so let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
About this salmon basil recipe
Also known as absurdly luscious salmon that will make you weep tears of pure joy!
Flaky, rich, tender salmon slathered with decadent, silky, basil studded and lemon kissed butter; paired with warm, meltingly tender, outrageously juicy blistered tomatoes that taste like savory candy.
The mouth-feel of the salmon and burst tomatoes is SUPER luxurious. Like, this dish SO melt in your mouth luscious that it boarders INSANITY.
PLUS, it’s ridiculously easy to throw together. I’m talking this is a one sheet pan meal! One and done!
In case you weren’t in love with this dish already, it also works for any kind of situation…
Weeknight family meal. Date night weekend meal. Let’s have the entire neighborhood over and entertain meal. Essentially, it just encompasses ALL the meal possibilities. ALL of them.
I mean, basically this oven baked salmon is the beginning of the rest of your life, friends!
What is basil salmon?
Basil butter salmon, also known as salmon with basil butter, is an elegant fish dish featuring fresh salmon baked in the oven with a flavorful butter sauce. Butter salmon recipes make a wonderful seafood dinner because they’re quick and easy to prepare, require a handful of simple ingredients and just 30 minutes – or less!
If you have fresh basil leaves leftover, make sure that you store fresh basil properly and then put them to good here: Recipe for Basil Hummus, Basil Tomato Soup, and this Strawberry and Basil Cocktail.
How to cook salmon with fresh basil?
- Make the Basil Butter: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the butter, basil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until combined.
- Prepare the Salmon: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place another sheet of aluminum foil large enough to fold over and seal salmon on top of lined baking sheet. Arrange the salmon (skin side down) in the middle of the of the foil. Using a brush or spoon, brush the salmon with the basil butter. Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper. Fold and wrap the the foil so that all sides are properly sealed and the sauce doesn’t leak.
- Bake the salmon at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until almost opaque, about 10 minutes. Remove baking sheet from oven.
- Switch oven to broil. Unseal and open the foil around the salmon to expose the top. Return salmon to the oven and broil for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is just opaque in center and the top is caramelized. Keep an eye on the fish so it does not burn! Remove from oven, transfer the salmon to a serving plate and enjoy!
Tips for the best salmon with basil butter
-
- You can either use a (roughly 1 ½ pound) side of salmon for this recipe, or you can use 4 (6 ounce) filets. The end results will be exactly the same, it just depends what kind of aesthetic and meal you are going for. However, if your filets are thick, keep in mind you will need to cook your salmon for a bit longer than stated in the recipe below.
- The length of time the salmon needs to cook in the oven depends on your preference and the thickness of your salmon. I cooked mine for a total of 13 minutes and it was cooked to my liking, medium (145 degrees).
- You can either make the basil butter using a small food processor, or you can make it by hand by finely chopping the garlic and basil with a knife. I actually think doing it by hand is easier and requires a little less clean up.
- The basil butter can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator. Just make sure you remove the butter from the fridge and let it soften on the counter for 30 minutes before using.
- You can substitute balsamic vinegar for the red wine vinegar in the tomato marinade if you would like.
Step-by-step photos: making fresh basil salmon at home
FAQs: salmon in foil
Why wrap salmon in foil?
- Wrapping salmon in foil prevents the salmon from drying out. The foil keeps the fish tender and moist by trapping moisture inside the foil.
- The foil packet method allows you to bake different flavors and seasonings into the salmon.
- Bonus – by baking the salmon in aluminum foil there is no clean up required!
How to wrap salmon filet in aluminum?
Wrapping salmon in foil is simple!
- Place salmon in the middle of a rectangular piece of foil. Make sure you use enough aluminum foil to wrap around the entire piece (or pieces) or salmon.
- Brush salmon with olive oil or infused butter and season as desired. You can also add vegetables to the inside of the foil if you would like!
- Lift the edges of the aluminum foil up and over the salmon so that the aluminum fully wraps around the fish.
- Crimp and fold the edges together to seal the foil closed and create a foil pack.
- Bake, roast or grill the salmon until desired doneness. If you are baking or roasting the salmon foil packet, I recommend putting the foil packet on a baking sheet.
What temperature to bake salmon pouch?
Most recipes call for baking salmon in foil in an oven preheated to between 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long will salmon cooked in foil last?
- Microwave butter salmon sauce: Add butter to a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Microwave at 50% power, checking every 15 seconds, until it is almost completely melted. Remove butter from the microwave and stir until it’s completely melted. Add in the basil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until combined. Use as desired!
- Stovetop butter salmon sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in the basil, lemon zest and juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute. Use as desired!
How to use basil butter?
- Spread is on crostini and top with tomato bruschetta with balsamic vinegar.
- Melt basil butter over fish, chicken, pork or steak.
- Stir butter into hot, cooked pasta.
- Mix butter into cooked rice.
- Stir butter into mashed potatoes, polenta or grits.
- Serve softened butter with an assortment of artisan breads.
- Use butter as a spread for grilled vegetables or corn on the cob.
Got leftover basil leaves? Make sure you store basil correctly. And put those leaves to good use in this Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail, Basil Hummus, and Tomato Basil Soup.
How long does basil butter last?
Prepared basil butter should be kept tightly sealed in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. Properly stored, butter will keep for up to two weeks.
Can you freeze basil butter?
Basil butter freezes beautifully! Store butter in the freezer for up to a month.
Decadent, yet packed with protein, omega 3’s and anti-oxidants PLUS ridiculously easy to prepare, this basil on salmon with burst tomatoes NEEDS to make an appearance on your dinner table!
Until next week, friends, cheers! To one pan wonders.
Cheyanne
Craving MORE? Follow all the deliciousness on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!
More easy salmon recipes!
If you love this dish, try one of these quick and easy salmon recipes next:
- Salmon Tostada Salad
- Adobo Salmon
- Slowly Roasted Salmon with Citrus
- Fried Rice with Salmon
- Salmon with Salsa Verde recipe
- Baked Salmon and Asparagus
- Salmon with Brussel Sprouts
Oven Baked Butter Salmon in Foil recipe, plus step-by-step video👇
Basil Salmon in Foil Packet
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl (for making basil butter)
- 1 baking sheet - with aluminum foil (for baking salmon basil)
Ingredients
- 5 TBS Unsalted Butter - melted
- 6 large fresh Basil Leaves - chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 small Clove Garlic - minced
- 1/2 large Lemon - zested and juiced
- To Taste Sea Salt and Ground Black Pepper
- 4 (6 ounce) Salmon Filets - Patted Dry (SEE NOTE)
- 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 medium Shallot – peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 TBS Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 TBS Fresh Chives – thinly sliced
- Optional Garnishes/ For Serving Flakey Sea Salt, Parsley, Lemon Wedges, Crusty Bread
Instructions
- Arrange oven rack to the center position. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet aluminum foil. Set aside.
- Prepare the tomatoes: In a medium bowl add the tomatoes, shallot, oil, vinegar, ¼ teaspoon salt and a generous pinch of pepper. Toss to combine. Set aside at room temperature to marinate.
- Make the Basil Butter: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the butter, basil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until combined.
- Prepare the Salmon: Place another sheet of aluminum foil large enough to fold over and seal salmon on top of lined baking sheet. Arrange the salmon (skin side down) in the middle of the of the foil. Using a brush or spoon, brush the salmon with the basil butter. Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper. Fold and wrap the the foil so that all sides are properly sealed and the sauce doesn't leak. Scatter the tomatoes around the packet of salmon.
- Bake the salmon until almost opaque, about 10 minutes. Remove baking sheet from oven. Remove tomatoes from baking sheet and transfer them to a serving plate or bowl. Switch oven to broil. Unseal and open the foil around the salmon to expose the top. Return salmon to the oven and broil for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is just opaque in center and the top is caramelized. Keep an eye on the fish so it does not burn! Remove from oven and transfer the salmon to a serving plate.
- To serve: Sprinkle the salmon with chives and basil. Serve with flakey sea salt, lemon wedges and crusty bread. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Salmon: You can either use a (roughly 1 ½ pound) side of salmon for this recipe, or you can use 4 (6 ounce) filets. The end result will be exactly the same. However, if your filets are thin, keep in mind you will need to cook your salmon for a bit less time than stated in the recipe. And vice versa- if your salmon is thick, it may require more time.
- Baking Salmon in Oven: The exact length of time the salmon needs to cook in the oven depends on your preference and the thickness of your salmon. I cooked mine for a total of 15 minutes and it was cooked to my liking, medium (145 degrees).
- The basil butter can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator. Just make sure you remove the butter from the fridge microwave on 50% power until melted.
- Vinegar: You can substitute balsamic vinegar for the red wine vinegar in the tomato marinade if you would like.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Mention @nospoonnecessary on Instagram and tag it #nospoonnecessary!
©No Spoon Necessary. All images and content are under copyright protection. Please do not use any images without prior permission. If you want to reference this recipe, please do so by linking directly to this post.
Kevin
Wow, that butter sauce takes this salmon over the top! Amazing!
chris
I came here looking for a marriage between the basil I happened to have and the salmon Himself walked in with. I wasn’t disappointed. We both agree it was knockout!
However, i ‘baked’ mine in a glass lidded container in the mw.
That way, you really control the process and the salmon is never overdone.
Salmon and mw were made for each other.
Kelly | Foodtasia
Chey, I could definitely weep tears of pure joy over this salmon dish! Love the summery flavors of basil and tomatoes. Not ready for all the summer recipes to end!
Kankana Saxena
I am always game for one pan recipes and salmon always comes in picture! You have all my fav thing here and tat basil butter sounds so good. Love this dish
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
Salmon is my very favorite fish so I have to try this ASAP. OMG it looks amazing! Is there anything basil and butter can’t do?
Matt – Total Feasts
Salmon, basil butter, one-pan meal. These are all things I like to hear, and it looks delicious!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
Love the video Chey! What a perfect summer dinner! I’d love to make this for guests at the beach. So easy, flavorful and a lot less clean up. Pinned and excited to try!
Marissa
This is just absolutely beautiful, Cheyanne! As you said, perfect for a weeknight date night meal or to impress guests – they’ll never guess how easy this is to prepare!
Adina
I love your salmon recipes, they always look so mouthwatering. And I am glad to hear that you watch Game of Thrones as well, best show I’ve ever seen, if you ask me. My heart hurts when I think about it coming to an end.
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen
Another great salmon dish, Cheyanne. Sending this to my mom – she loves salmon! The basil butter is the perfect topping. Easy, delicious and attractive – the best kind of recipe!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
I don’t eat nearly enough salmon! I love it, but it’s just one of those things I tend not to make. I love how easy you make it! And that basil butter! Super Yum!!! This could be a great weeknight meal or an elegant dinner for guests!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
I could see us eating this at least once a week! Love salmon and try to get it in my kids as much as I can.
Kate @ Framed Cooks
How much do I love how you have rocked all the summer flavors in this dish? SO. MUCH. Pinned!
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cotted
This is one gorgeous salmon!! The basil butter is what dreams are made of!! Drooling over this one for sure! Take care.
Velva
Beautiful colors! Textures! Summer packed summer flavors which prove keeping it simple with fresh ingredients is best. Thanks for sharing!
Velva-Tomatoes on the Vine
Katherine | Love In My Oven
I LOVE THE HEE HAW SHOW!! Haha we definitely have the same sense of humour. I also love how buttery and flaky this salmon looks – mmmmm!!!! What a fantastic way to use up my bounty of cherry tomatoes. We love our salmon around here!! Have a fantastic weekend friend!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks
You are too funny with your Minnie Pearl clip! I’ve got mixed feelings about the whole summer-fall transition. It was dang cold down here last week!!!! Either way, this salmon sheet pan business looks delicious for any season! Xoxo
Lauren Gaskill
Idk why I’ve never thought of this combo, but it sounds absolutely heavenly, Cheyanne! Pinning now!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
I’m with you here, Chey! I’ve almost accepted the fact the fall is inevitable. That’s why I doubled the consumption of watermelons. Perhaps, I need to eat even more of them, if it’s possible. But I’ve been strong – I haven’t eaten an apple yet! Are you proud of me? However, some apple and pumpkin ideas have started to pop up, so I’m kind of excited about the fall. Anyways, I’m a huge fan of salmon so this flaky buttery beauty looks marvelous and appetizing to me!
Zainab
You always always make salmon look so sexy!! Love that basil butter, I have plenty of basil in my garden begging to be used. Have a great weekend!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
My basil plant is still going strong (for the moment ;), so I’ll definitely putting this one on the menu soon. Looks fabulous and I always love quick to put together, delicious meals like this one 😉
Dawn – Girl Heart Food
As much as I love summer, fall is my FAVE! I know it’s not quite yours and every time I see a pumpkin recipe right now I think of you cause I know inside you are probably cringing. However, what about all the lovely fall flavours and the CLOTHES?! Anywho….better stop talking ’bout fall cause it’s too much 😉 Ok, this recipe! Love that it’s stupid quick cause that means I can shove in ma piehole quicker and that basil butter needs to be on everything. Love butter anything and basil just takes it up a notch. I’ll have butter with a side of salmon please. Um, salmon with extra butter, I mean. Yeah, that’s it, lol. And who doesn’t love bursting tomatoes? Right? Right. Cheers to an awesome weekend, Chey! XO
annie@ciaochowbambina
Wowza! You never cease to amaze, my friend! Basil butter? Burst tomatoes? You’re speaking my language! Now – I’ve never made salmon…never…(don’t yell at me!) but this just might be the one! I know my family will love it! Gorgeous photos, by the way! Oh man! Have a great weekend, dear! XO
marcie
Aren’t you too young to know about Minnie Pearl and Hee Haw? At any rate, thanks for giving me a laugh! I’m embracing fall slowly but don’t want my gorgeous tomatoes to stop growing. Why does it have to be this way? Until then, I’ll enjoy this meal because salmon is a FAVE!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
This definitely needs to make an appearance on our dinner table Chey! I do love the smell of cinnamon and apples, but I’m still savoring summer. And these perfect little tomatoes are a great way to use up the end of the season’s bounty! That basil butter? Hello! Sounds amazing. I’ll let you know how we like this one! Happy weekend!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
No lameness. I totally giggled! This reminds me of the salmon I always used to order at my favorite restaurant in my home town. It was poached and served with the most incredible compound butter. . .I’m drooling a little thinking about it. I need to try this ASAP! The chef at that restaurant retired and I’ve never been able to recreate his salmon on my own. This sounds like just the replacement I’m looking for :). Have a great weekend, Cheyanne!
Angie@Angie’s Recipes
Such a beautiful and delicious dish to farewell the summer, Chey. I just love all your salmon creations…can’t get enough of them. The one with black rice salad looks amazing too.
Ashley@CookNourishBliss
haha and then I’m over here like come on fall!!!! I will admit I was a little bit pissed the other day when I walked outside and it wasn’t as chilly 🙂 lol but that’s NC weather for you! This salmon sounds delicious!!! Especially now that I’m actually on the salmon train – I feel like I missed out for years!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice
I’m not ready for summer to end, but I am embracing fall with open arms because it’s my favorite season! I’m with you on savoring what’s left of summer, though. You had me at basil butter and this looks AMAZING! I make salmon quite often for my husband and I, so I’m totally trying this version the next time. And those tomatoes give the prettiest pop of color! Such a yummy dish! Pinned! Hope you have a great weekend!
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table
You know I’m all about some sheet pan dinners and salmon is definitely my favorite fish which means I’m always looking for new ideas! This basil butter salmon sounds so crazy delicious and those gorgeous burst tomatoes are definitely the perfect way to say goodbye to summer! Pinned and can’t wait to try this! Hope you have a fabulous last weekend of summer, my friend! XO